Barry County panel backs $17,006 capital request for chipper to support parks and trails

The Barry County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole on Sept. 2 recommended adding $17,006.36 to the county's 2026 capital budget to purchase a wood chipper/shredder intended for shared use by county parks and Charlton Park.

County parks staff said the machine would help clear storm debris, reduce fire hazards from piled brush and produce usable wood-chip material for trails and landscaping. Dan Patton described recent changes in brush-removal operations and the limits on staff time and space for burning and piling material.

"We had to call the fire department because somebody decided to set one on fire," Patton said, describing a recent uncontrolled burn that consumed about 15 acres and prompted concern about public safety and the county's ability to manage large volumes of brush. Patton added the county no longer has inmate crews available for this work, which increases the need for mechanized equipment.

Commissioners questioned procurement options and whether used equipment would be acceptable; Patton said staff had not completed a used-equipment search and that the request had been bid through the MyDeal procurement process. Commissioners noted Charlton Park had offered to fund half the cost from its fund balance.

Several public commenters, including Rick Moore of the Podunk Lake Yacht Club, urged approval, saying modern equipment reduces labor and fire risk. "When you have the right tools, the job's half done," Moore said.

After discussion about competing budget pressures and pending union and health-care cost uncertainties, the committee voted on a motion to add the request to the capital program. The motion was moved and seconded for discussion and carried; the committee recommended the $17,006.36 capital request be added to the 2026 budget.

The recommendation means the item will be forwarded to the full Board of Commissioners for final approval during the budget process.